given it up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "given it up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of relinquishing or ceasing to do something, often in a context of surrender or abandonment. Example: "After years of trying to quit smoking, I finally feel like I've given it up for good."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

I haven't given it up, because the drama upped its game -- well, a couple of its games.

Huffington Post

I still haven't given it up completely.

University of California, Berkeley

But I had given it up 20 years ago.

The New York Times

Those who had given it up in between.

The New York Times

They either weren't by nature, or had given it up".

The New Yorker

"I'd never given it up till last summer".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Give it up, Blanche!

The New York Times

Give it up, Clark!

University of California, Berkeley

Would he give it up?

The Economist

"Can I give it up?

The New York Times - Sports

Give it up for Kent State.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of the context. While "given it up" is generally acceptable, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "relinquished" or "abandoned".

Common error

Avoid using "given it up" when the intention is to temporarily pause an activity. This phrase implies a permanent cessation, so opt for expressions like "taking a break from" or "putting aside" for temporary situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given it up" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the completion of an action, signifying that someone has ceased doing something, often after a struggle or decision. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "given it up" is a phrasal verb used to express the completed action of abandoning something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's important to ensure context indicates finality when using this phrase, as it implies a permanent cessation. While generally acceptable, it's more common in news, media, and general conversation, making it a neutral register choice. Related phrases include "abandoned it", "relinquished it", and "quit it". Use this phrase when you want to communicate that something has been fully stopped and consider the level of formality appropriate for your context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abandoned it

Focuses on the act of leaving something behind entirely.

quit it

A more direct and informal way of saying someone has stopped doing something.

dropped it

Informal way to express to give something up, particularly in conversational context.

relinquished it

Implies a more formal or deliberate surrender.

ceased it

Formal terminology for ending something, it can be temporary or definitively.

stopped doing it

A more general way of saying someone has ceased an activity.

foregone it

Implies a voluntary act of giving something up.

desisted from it

A formal way of saying ceasing to do something, implying conscious effort.

renounced it

Suggests a formal rejection or abandonment.

set it aside

A more gentle and perhaps temporary way of saying someone has stopped pursuing something.

FAQs

How can I use "given it up" in a sentence?

Use "given it up" to describe the act of ceasing something permanently, like "After many attempts, I've finally "given it up"". Make sure it's clear that the action has been fully abandoned.

What can I say instead of "given it up"?

You can use alternatives like "abandoned it", "relinquished it", or "quit it" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "given it up" or "gave it up"?

"Given it up" implies a more completed and final decision, often as a result of a process. "Gave it up" simply means you stopped at a certain point. For example: "I have given up smoking" versus "I gave up smoking last year".

What's the difference between "given it up" and "giving it up"?

"Given it up" indicates a completed action, meaning it has already been stopped, whereas "giving it up" is the action of stopping something that is currently in progress or being considered.